How to Set the Number of Rings for RAS Auto-Answer in Windows NT 4.0

ID: Q145879

The information in this article applies to:

SYMPTOMS

By default, the Remote Access Service (RAS) from Windows NT, answers incoming calls after the first ring. The documentation in the Remote Access Administrators Help file describes how you can modify the RAS Modem.inf file to change this behavior. However, this only works if RAS is not using any Telephony Application Programming Interface (TAPI)/Unimodem-based devices.


CAUSE

Beginning in Windows NT 4.0, RAS is capable of using TAPI. It also maintains backwards compatibility with Windows NT 3.51. However, RAS is not capable of using both TAPI and the Windows NT 3.51 Modem.inf information. If RAS is using TAPI, then modifying the Modem.inf file to change the number of rings to wait before answering has no effect.


RESOLUTION

In Windows NT 4.0, to set the number of ring messages from the modem after which RAS will answer the call, add the following key to the Registry: 


   \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ 
      SYSTEM\ 
         CurrentControlSet\ 
            Services\ 
               RasMan\ 
                  Parameters


Then add the following REG_DWORD value to this key:
NumberOfRings

This REG_DWORD registry value can be in the range of 1 to 20. If this value does not exist, or is outside of this range, the default value of one (1) is used. If RAS is not using TAPI, then this value is ignored and the documentation about modifying the Modem.inf file is correct.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

Additional query words: prodnt 


Keywords          : kbtool ntregistry NTSrvWkst 
Version           : 4.0
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: March 6, 1999